Tate's Big Birthday Party

My little boy is now my big boy as he has informed me. Tate is so much fun and brings so much happiness and laughter into our family. We are so happy to have him and had a great time celebrating his big day. Here is a run down of the day. I know there are a ton of pictures, but Grandma Hollist is on a mission and Grandma Cannon was out of town for work. So, we had to document the whole thing so the Grandma's could be apart of this big day.

The morning started off with pancakes, sausage and orange juice. This was of course Tate's request and his favorite breakfast.

You must start off the morning with candles. He kept reminding us that we had to put three candles on because he is three now. How could I forget.

Opening presents from mom and dad. Tate received a Lightning McQueen ball hopper. Now, he doesn't have to use the pink princess one at Aunt Heidi's House.

He also received a soccer ball so he can play soccer just like Dora.

And a Lite Brite.

And of course, the new bike that he has been asking for since Christmas. I wasn't sure that he would be able to pedal it, but the first time he took it outside he caught on right away.

Aunt Heidi and her family gave him this cool shirt, sand toys and a water gun shooter. Heidi explained to him that he could fill up with water and then get his mom all wet. Thanks, Heidi, what would we do without you.

Uncle Klark gave him his most treasured gift. He has told everyone since Christmas that Santa forgot to give him the Hungry, Hungry Hippo game. I am not sure what Santa was thinking. So, Uncle Klark stepped in and now Tate has his very own Hippo Game.

Opening his present from the Alcazar Clan, a new outfit, now called the drum pants and a motorcycle just like grandma's.

Grandma Hollist and Papa Joe gave him a Lightning McQueen fishing pole. Tate caught quite a few fish that night. He loves, loves, loves the fishing pole.

He also got a tackle box to go with it.

Getting ready for the pinata event by decorating his Mickey Mouse bag.

Now the fun begins. Tate taking some of the first attempts to break open the pinata.

Ashlyn giving it her best shot.

Zara, so serious. She really must want that candy.

Uncle Klark helping Tate hit the candy out of the pinata after Zara and Brooklyn broke it open.

All of the kids grabbing the candy as fast as they could.

The beautiful Mickey Mouse Clubhouse cake. If you haven't watched the show, the cake probably doesn't make any sense, but this is what the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse looks like. Yes, I know, I am quite the cake decorator.

Attempting to blow out his candles with a huge piece of candy in his mouth. It was pretty entertaining to watch.

An intense game of Hungry, Hungry Hippo. Even Klark had to get in on the action.

Going Fishing!

Out to catch more fish. He would not put the fishing pole down.

Going for a quick spin on the bike. The helmet adds a nice touch as well.

Happy Birthday, Tate. You are such a good boy. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate! He is one lucky little boy.

Tate's Friend Party

Tate turned three years old this year. I can't believe how quickly time flies. This year he kept telling me that he wanted to invite his friends over for his birthday party. So, we had a party at the park. We had pizza and breadsticks, Kool-aid and cupcakes. Then the kids played and played until they were all so tired and hot. Tate had so much fun and loved the presents that his friends gave him. Cooper gave him a golf club set and huge ball. Tate has to take his naps with his golf clubs and as soon as he wakes up it is time to golf. Micah gave him some cars, a favorite, and a Little Einstein Domino's Game. We have played the game sooooo many times. Tate has so many wonderful friends. He is one lucky boy. He loved sharing his birthday with his friends.

Tate, Jonathan and Olivia eating pizza!

Cute Sage and Cooper!
Getting ready to blow out the candles on his cupcakes. That is one big breath!
With that big of a breath he blew out all three candles.

Opening his Little Einstein Game from Micah.

Jonathan, Tate and Micah playing on the Monkey bars.

Cooper, Tate and Jonathan playing soccer with the new ball from Cooper.

Golfer Tate, you can just call him the next Tiger Woods. Thanks to Cooper he has a new set of clubs. He is ready to go.

All of the kids got a little goodie bag to take home. Inside was a punch ball for everyone. Tate decided his was best used as a hat. So, Kayla, Tate, and Sage all showed off the newest look! Aren't they cute?

Tate's First Camping Experience

This past weekend was our ward's Father and Son's Campout. Kraig thought it would be fun to go and take Tate on his first camping trip. Tate was so excited. On Friday, we went to the store and picked out what they would eat for dinner and what snacks they wanted. Tate asked all day when dad was going to be home so they could go camping. Kraig finally got home, they loaded up the car and headed out. Tate loved the tent. He wanted to stay and play in it all afternoon. Kraig had to talk him out of the tent so they could go down to the reservoir and to the playground for awhile. He loved playing in the water and the sand. Camping was the greatest, until it got dark and cold. Then, all Tate wanted was to go home. They cooked hot dogs over the fire and roasted marshmallows and then got ready to go back to the tent to go to bed. At that point, the tent was no longer cool. Tate just wanted to go home to his own bed and to see his mommy. After an hour or so, Kraig gave in. They packed up the car and headed home. It was a fun night for the two of them. Too bad they didn't actually get to camp. However, according to Tate, he loves camping! Good thing he has a kind and patient dad.

So happy to be in the tent!

Eating treats and playing.

The best picture, right as they were packing up and heading home. What a happy boy!